Maps and Mapping
How do I find, download, or order topographic maps?
What types of elevation datasets are available, what formats do they come in, and where can I download them?
What is a Digital Orthophoto Quadrangle (DOQ) or an orthoimage?
The USGS provides the mapping and digital geospatial foundation for the Nation.
Why did I receive an "Error: Inventory request failure" message during a download request from The National Map?
The "Error: Inventory request failure" message occurs if our ScienceBase catalog database is not responding to download requests. To ensure data integrity, the ScienceBase catalog is shut down for nightly backup at 11:00 pm Mountain time, which takes 1-2 hours. If you find that the message is still occurring even after the allotted two hours, please contact The National Map Service Desk at tnm...
Can The National Map data be downloaded via direct links?
Direct access to The National Map data is provided via browsable links through: Amazon's Cloud USGS Server Navigate to the appropriate theme folders to access staged products for download. Data can also be downloaded using: The National Map Download Client 3DEP LidarExplorer (lidar only) TopoView (topographic maps only) Download Manager Tool/uGET (for batch downloads). Learn more: The National...
Where can I find scripts to convert raster data formats from The National Map?
Download a set of scripts to help in the transition of raster data from The National Map to different file formats. These scripts require either Geospatial Data Abstraction Library (GDAL) or ESRI ArcGIS software for raster data file conversions. Documentation is under the 'How_To' folder. Learn more: The National Map Training Videos The National Map Quick Start Guide The National Map home page
Why did I receive an error when downloading data from The National Map?
An error that times out the Web browser can sometimes occur after clicking on a download link. You might be able to open the archive (.zip) file by refreshing your screen. In the case of an incomplete download, first clear your browser history to avoid the cache interfering with subsequent future attempts. Then use the Ctrl+F5 keys to refresh the cache with new content before retrying the download...
Is there an API for accessing The National Map data?
An Application Programming Interface (API) is a way for developers to interface with data. The National Map (TNM) has one API (TNMAccess) that provides access to all TNM downloadable products that are available through The National Map Download Client . Developers can use HTTP GET and POST requests to directly access products, or use the light graphical interface on the API page to generate...
Are there any costs or restrictions to usage of data downloaded from The National Map?
Data from The National Map is free and in the public domain. There are no restrictions on downloaded data; however, we request that the following statement be used when citing, copying, or reprinting data: "Data available from U.S. Geological Survey, National Geospatial Program." Learn more: USGS Copyrights and Credits Statement
Is there a user guide on how to download data using The National Map?
See the online National Map Viewer Quick Start Guide . For brief instructions, click on the "How to" link at the top of The National Map Downloader . Training videos are also available.
How accurate are elevations generated by the Elevation Point Query Service in The National Map?
The National Map’s Elevation Point Query Service (EPQS) returns elevations that are interpolated from the 3DEP dynamic elevation service. This is a web coverage service (WCS) that includes multiple resolutions of DEMs including 1 meter resolution lidar-based DEMs where available, and 1/3 arc-second seamless DEMs. The accuracy of the elevations returned by EPQS will vary according to the source...
How can I submit a question or report issues regarding The National Map products and services?
Submit questions about The National Map products or report issues to The National Map service desk at: tnm_help@usgs.gov
Do all USGS 7.5 minute topographic maps show the UTM grid?
Historical Topographic Map Collection (1884-2006) : The USGS policy about putting a full UTM grid on 7.5-minute (1:24,000-scale) topographic maps has changed over time. Beginning in the mid-1950s, the grid was indicated by blue ticks around the map at 1,000-meter spacing. In 1979, the ticks were replaced with a full-line black UTM grid. This decision was reversed in 1992, then reversed again in...
Since the National Atlas Program has ended, is any data still available?
The online version of the National Atlas (officially known as the 1997-2014 Edition of the National Atlas of the United States) was removed from service in 2014. Some of its previous products are available from the following USGS sources: Some small-scale data, containing National Atlas data, are available through the National Map Downloader or Staged Products . Some small-scale geologic data...
What sources were used to produce the National Hydrography Dataset (NHD)?
The National Hydrography Dataset (NHD) is a combination of USGS hydrologic digital line graph (DLG) files and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reach files, version 3.0 (RF3). U.S. Forest Service Cartographic Feature Files (CFF) and USGS Tagged Vector Hydro (TVH) captured from 7.5-minute printed maps were also used. Some states also contributed their own stream layer data to the compilation of...